The UltraSound Ultra PDI Preamp DI is a great direct box and a full-featured preamp. The Ultra PDI lets you dial in clear, natural sound. Routes to a stage PA from a balanced XLR output. A parallel 1/4" out sends signal to your stage amp. The effects loop features a 1/4" send and return rather than a TRS system requiring a Y cord. Tone controls include active bass and treble EQ, mid-dip shape control, and a notch filter. Operates on 48V phantom power or battery (not included).

FEATURES

Full-featured preamp and DI box

Bulletproof metal housing

Input gain control to allow proper setting for the great variety of acoustic pickup outputs

Balanced XLR output for routing signal to PA system

Parallel 1/4" out for sending signal to stage amp

Both stage and PA outputs have their own level controls

Parallel input jack allows a tuner to be plugged in in-ine without degradation of signal

Effects loop

48V phantom power capability

Active bass and treble EQ

Mid-dip shape control permits removal of honky mids

Notch filter permits dialing out problem feedback

Combination of controls allows any acoustic player to dial in a natural, useable sound at amplified volumes

I've owned this preamp/DI for several years now and it has always served me well. People frequently ask about my acoustic tone and I tell them all about this nifty little box. It may not have as name knobs as the OTHER popular preamp/DI, but I think they knocked it out of the park with this one. I always keep the mid-scoop engaged, reverse the polarity, and roll off the bass a little, and it sounds fabulous!

Two things I really like are that the line out (to an amp, instead of the PA) has its own level control, and that it can be powered by battery, phantom, or 9v power supply.

One thing to note if you plan to run it off of your pedalboard power supply: the power input is opposite most other pedals most are center-negative, while this one is center-positive. It isn't notated anywhere in the documentation or on their website. It took me going to a local music store, and them calling Ultrasound to figure it out. Then I had to buy a special adapter for my power supply to make it work. Other than that I love this preamp/DI.

I ordered this and no matter what configuration i tried, it added hiss and noise to the signal. I have clean-filtered, isolated power and shielded circuitry. My system is very quiet. i wanted the preamp for my acoustic, but the noise was intolerable. spend the cash and get either LR Baggs or Fishman.

An easy way to have output to the PA board and use my amp as a monitor. I just love it's effects loop, choice of XLR or Line Out, a two-band EQ, and gain controls for the Input and the Output. And it uses phantom power as a power source, too. I bought it for my acoustic but it's getting used with my Tele, and my Fender P as well.

I know the LR Baggs is the industry standard, but I never have liked going with the flow. I tried this out, and the sounds you get is super natural. Other DIs give you the "over the top hyped up" guitar sound. If that's what you like, fine, but I want something that actually sounds like my guitar. I really like this DI, but what the desciption (or the manual for that matter) doesn't tell you is that the power supply connection is reverse polarity from other pedals, so you need a special power supply. It is also quite a bit larger than the Baggs DI, but I am willing to sacrifice the pedalboard space for amazing sound. Those are my only complaints. If you want natural, buy this DI.

I hooked this up to my Marshall AS50R and played my Tacoma DR14C with a K&K Western Mini (passive) through it! WOW!!! I couldn't get over how good the sound was. Keep in mind that the Marshall is one of the best acoustic amps out there and the Tacoma is...well it's a Tacoma! Taylor and Martin's are barely comparable to them, so needless to say the sound I got was awesome. My one and only complaint really isn't that big of a deal, but this DI is HUGE! It's literally twice a big as the LR Baggs PADI. However, it still fits nicely on the top of my amp and the semi-stick pads on the bottom keep it from sliding off the back of my amp since it's sitting on a Musicians Gear "slanted" amp stand. All in all this is a great DI.

I bought this product to serve a few purposes, one I needed a quality direct box when I was not going play through my acoustic amp alone, and two use it to split the signal between my amp and the PA when needed since my amp does not have the DI out. What this product did provide and why I bought it was excellent control of my sound right at my feet and no need to have someone at the board all the time. It can control sound going to the board to the amp (which is handy for when using it as a monitor) in ALL aspects sound shape and volume output to the device. What it did do was improve the sound power of my guitar and boosted the volume cleanly to my amp, so now I can play my amp at higher levels and still achieve the acoustic sound without gain distortion getting in the way. This is a huge benefit in my opinion. Built like a tank, and can run any of the 3 power modes you need (make sure your battery is fresh). Before you drop the extra $$ on the LR Baggs seriously think about this unit.

I have lead worship at a contemporary worship service for a church of about 700 members. For four years I have searched for a product that could give me the most natural "woody" tone. I have bought amps and new pickups for both of my guitars and now I can finally say that I am done searching. I highly recommend the ultra Preamp DI. My Breedlove and Martin second that statement.